When I was 14 years old, I was just a normal kid in 3rd year always staying up too late, sleeping in, eating whatever I wanted and not really caring about school or myself. Then unfortunately I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and all of a sudden everything changed.

Chemotherapy was tough. Feeling constantly sick, living with pain, and trying to understand what was happening to me was all so overwhelming. Losing my hair, of course, was horrible. I wanted nothing more than to feel normal again, to go back to school without the wig and without feeling like everyone was looking at me differently even if they weren’t. 

Cancer took a lot from me, but it also taught me more about life than I ever expected. I’ve learnt to care for my body and mind, and to value the things I have over the things I don’t. I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had and a gratitude for life I could never have imagined. Now, I love running, swimming, walking, exercising, eating lots of food and just being myself. I’ve learnt to listen to myself, to dream big, and to celebrate the small victories because every day is a gift worth cherishing.

Cancer didn’t just challenge me, it changed me. It made me stronger, more aware, and more thankful for the life I get to live. Every day, I carry that lesson with me.